When a coil begins to fail, the warning signs are often subtle — until suddenly, they’re not. For building operators and maintenance staff, catching issues early can mean the difference between a quick service call and a system outage that disrupts business.
Here are the top 5 early warning signs of coil trouble every facility team should know — and how to act before it becomes a costly repair.
⚠️ 1. Inconsistent Temperatures
Uneven cooling or warming across a space often points to reduced coil performance. This can result from:
- Dirty or blocked fins
- Airflow imbalances
- Internal corrosion starting to restrict heat transfer
If temperatures vary room to room — or case to case — it’s worth inspecting the coil.
⚠️ 2. Ice or Frost Buildup
Visible ice on an evaporator coil or near the drain pan is a classic red flag. This often means:
- Poor airflow
- Refrigerant charge issues
- Coil degradation
Frozen coils can cause bigger issues if ignored — including compressor damage.
⚠️ 3. Strange Noises from the Unit
Hissing, gurgling, or popping sounds often signal:
- Leaks
- Pressure changes
- Coil structure fatigue
Don’t assume it’s just “old equipment” — noises are often the system asking for help.
⚠️ 4. Higher Energy Bills
If usage hasn’t changed but energy consumption has spiked, it could be your coil. When a coil degrades, the system works harder — and longer — to do the same job.
⚠️ 5. Frequent Compressor Cycling
Short-cycling (rapid on/off patterns) often results from coil-related airflow or refrigerant issues. Left unchecked, this strains other components and leads to early failures.
Bottom line? If you’re seeing these signs — or your contractor points them out — act early. And if you need help sourcing a custom-fit replacement, KCL is here to measure, match, and deliver the right coil fast.